Kellen Moore, previously the offensive coordinator for the Philadelphia Eagles, has officially been appointed as the head coach of the New Orleans Saints. The announcement came just two days after the Eagles’ impressive victory in Super Bowl LIX against the Kansas City Chiefs.
Saints owner Gayle Benson expressed confidence in Moore’s ability to restore the team’s winning culture. She also acknowledged Darren Rizzi for his service as the interim coach following the dismissal of Dennis Allen during the season. Moore’s hiring marks a fresh start for the Saints as they look to bounce back from recent struggles.
Moore’s Offensive Success as Coordinator
Throughout his career as an offensive coordinator, Moore has consistently led high-performing offenses. Since 2019, his teams have ranked among the top 10 in both points and yards three times. Under his leadership, the Eagles averaged 27.2 points per game in the regular season and an impressive 36.3 points per game in the postseason.
His offensive schemes have consistently produced results, with teams ranking fifth in points per game (26.4) and yards per game (376.5) over the past five seasons. His ability to develop quarterbacks and create high-scoring offenses played a key role in securing the Saints’ top coaching job.
While Moore’s offensive expertise is well-established, he faces a significant challenge in fixing the Saints’ defense. The team struggled last season, allowing the third-most yards per game (379.9). Reports indicate that former Chargers head coach Brandon Staley is a strong candidate to become Moore’s defensive coordinator.
Strengthening the defensive unit will be a top priority as the Saints look to improve their overall performance. Additionally, Moore is tasked with revitalizing an offense that has struggled to find consistency since the departure of longtime quarterback Drew Brees.
Saints’ Coaching Search and Moore’s Hiring Process
The Saints were the last NFL team to fill their head coaching vacancy, as they had to wait until the conclusion of the Super Bowl to make Moore’s hiring official. Moore was one of four candidates interviewed in person, alongside Giants offensive coordinator Mike Kafka, Dolphins defensive coordinator Anthony Weaver, and interim coach Darren Rizzi.
The Saints prioritized hiring a coach with a strong offensive background, reminiscent of when they hired Sean Payton in 2006. Unlike Dennis Allen, who was a second-time head coach at age 50, Moore is among the youngest head coaches in the league at 36.
Moore brings a strong football pedigree to his new role. He was a standout quarterback at Boise State from 2007 to 2011 before playing in the NFL with the Detroit Lions and Dallas Cowboys. Following his retirement in 2017, he transitioned into coaching, starting as the Cowboys’ quarterbacks coach before becoming their offensive coordinator in 2019.
He later held the same position with the Chargers and Eagles before earning his first head coaching opportunity with the Saints. Now, he looks to use his offensive acumen to turn the Saints back into a playoff contender.